Former Real Madrid manager John Toshack has said that it is difficult for Gareth Bale to produce his best performances from a wide position.

Bale came in for severe criticism during his second season at the Bernabeu, but Toshack has insisted that the Welsh international won't peak at the La Liga giants unless he is granted more time in a central area.

Toshack is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "You do need time to adapt and obviously for the money they paid for him, and at the age that he is, he's still got a lot to do.

"I hope Gareth will get the opportunity to play in an area of the field where he can do most damage. I'm not so sure wide is Gareth's best position. I think Cristiano has got a bit do with that.

"He was always a number seven, but likes to play left side and I think Gareth suffers a bit for that."

Bale scored 17 goals in 48 appearances for Real during the last campaign.